Chapter 612
Keith nodded again.
“So, before your mom fell for him, you didn’t want to acknowledge him p>
“Yeah p>
“I get it now. No wonder you were so startled when you saw me. What about him? Does he like your mom now p>
“He does p>
Keith was surprised, “He likes her even without knowing the truth p>
“Yeah, he said it himself p>
“Is it just a physical attraction, or does he genuinely like her from the bottom of his heart? Or is it because of certain circumstances that he feels compelled to like her p>
Elliot was confused, “Isn’t liking just liking? Is there a difference in how you like someone p>
Keith hesitated for a moment, then lifted his hand to ruffle Elliot’s hair.
“There are many kinds of liking. You’re still young. You’ll understand when you grow up p>
Changing the subject, he asked,
“What about you? Do you want them to be together or not p>
Elliot responded, “We’ll follow our mom’s lead. If he likes her and she likes him, then of course we want them to be together p>
“I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t spill your secret. I’ll cover for you p>
Hearing this, the kids finally relaxed and collectively thanked him, “Thanks, Keith p>
Keith smiled, “You’re welcome p>
He then seemed to remember something, his expression turning to one of disbelief,
“The guy who’s been bugging me about buying a house recently, that wouldn’t happen to be him, would it p>
“Huh? What do you mean p>
Keith glanced across the street and smiled,
“I haven’t told you yet, but we’re going to be neighbors. I bought the house across from yours p>
“What the kids were shocked.
Keith smiled as he explained,
“I heard from Blossom before the holidays that the house across from hers was going for a steal. I needed a place, so I bought it. Then, a few days later, someone offered to buy it from me for triple the price. I thought that was fishy because it’s a fixer-upper. The previous owner sold it for cheap, but this guy wanted to pay a premium for it, so I refused. I wonder if it was him p>
Elliot was aware, “It was him p>
Elijah was moving to the area, and Tarquin, wanting to keep an eye on things, didn’t think much of it at the time and didn’t investigate, so he didn’t know Keith had bought the house.
Keith grimaced, “This is going to be awkward. He’s probably got a bone to pick with me over the house. Our discussions haven’t been pleasant p>
Elliot reassured him, “Don’t worry. He might be tough and opinionated, but he can be reasonable. Plus, you have us. If you really don’t want to sell it to him, we can talk to him p>
“That’s a relief. I really don’t want to sell. The commute to work is so much better; I can sleep in an extra half hour every morning p>
“Leave it to us p>
Keith offered, “I won’t let you help for nothing. If you want to make sure he’s really into your mom, I can lend a hand p>
The kids were puzzled, p>
Keith elaborated, “He’s going to keep coming back about the house. I can pretend I’m not selling because of your mother.” Elliot caught on quickly, surprised,
“You mean pretend to be into my mom? Pretend you’re not selling the house just to get close to her, to pursue her?” “Exactly. It’s a solid plan, and he won’t suspect a thing p>
The kids were speechless, p>